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Role of the social worker in the outbreak of

pandemics (A case of COVID-19)

Afomachukwu Okafor |

To cite this article: Afomachukwu Okafor | (2021) Role of the social worker in the
outbreak of pandemics (A case of COVID-19), Cogent Psychology, 8:1, 1939537, DOI:
10.1080/23311908.2021.1939537

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Okafor, Cogent Psychology (2021), 8: 1939537
https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2021.1939537

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY | REVIEW ARTICLE

Role of the social worker in the outbreak of
pandemics (A case of COVID-19)
Afomachukwu Okafor1*

Received: 27 October 2020

Accepted: 17 February 2021
*Corresponding author:
Afomachukwu Okafor, Department of
Social Work, University of Central
Nicaragua, Nicaragua
E-mail: evan31march@gmail.com
Reviewing editor:
Peter Walla, University of Newcastle,
Australia
Additional information is available at
the end of the article
Abstract: Social work practice is a helping profession that adopts skills and theories
of human behavioral and social systems in resolving social problems. The Corona
Virus Disease (COVID-19) as a pandemic have ravaged the world causing millions of
infections and close to two million deaths globally. This article has the objective of
exploring the role of social workers in the outbreak of a pandemic thereby preparing
the social work profession for future outbreaks. The social work profession plays
huge roles in providing awareness, psychosocial support, and advocating for social
inclusion for the most vulnerable population. Also design and implementation of
interventions that will positively impact the lives of the vulnerable population and
the society at large are the hallmark of social work profession.

Subjects: Public Health Policy and Practice; Social Work and Social Policy; Social Work
Education; Social Work Practice; SocialWork Research; Community Social Work

Keywords: Social Work; COVID-19; Coronavirus; public health challenge; Global Pandemic

1. Introduction
A social worker is a professional who focuses on enhancing the overall well-being of the general
population, assisting to meet the basic and complex needs of individuals and/or communities,
prioritizing the vulnerable, oppressed, and those living in poverty. They contribute greatly to the
care, support, promotion of rights, as well as empowerment of vulnerable populations (Bess &
Collins, 2014).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT

Afomachukwu E. Okafor completed his First
Degree in Economics, Master’s Degree in
International Corporation and Humanitarian Aid,
A Masters Degree in Monitoring and Evaluation,
and Currently a Doctoral Candidate for a Ph.D in
Social Works. He has worked with multiple
International Non Governmental Organizations
and the United Nations Agency as a Monitoring
and Evaluation Professional having over 6 years
of experience in the design and implementation
of monitoring and evaluation strategies for
humanitarian (multi-sectoral) and development
projects cutting across HIV/AIDS, TB,
Afomachukwu Okafor Reproductive Health, WASH, Nutrition, Food
Security and Livelihood, Agriculture and
Education. He has conducted as well as contrib­
uted to various project evaluations and research
activities and is currently conducting various
researches in the areas of Social work and inte­
grated public health care models.
In a world of emerging global humanitarian
emergencies and pandemics such as COVID-19
which has ravaged the world with millions of
infections and deaths, the researcher has
explored the roles social workers play in the
outbreak of a pandemic. These roles include the
creation of awareness on the pandemic, provi­
sion of psychosocial support, advocating for
social inclusion for the most vulnerable popula­
tion and the design and implementation of
interventions that will positively impact the lives
of the vulnerable population among many
others. This paper triggers reflection as well as
serve as a wake up call to the social work pro­
fession and policy makers to better prepare for
outbreak of pandemics.

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The social work practice as a helping profession adopts the use of skills and theories of human
behavioral and social systems in alleviating and resolving social problems that affects individuals,
groups or communities. The role of social workers encompasses different dimension of social
issues, among which is the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 have ravaged the world with over 81 million confirmed positive cases and more than
1.7 million deaths globally as at December 2020. Apart from its deadly nature, COVID-19 has caused
damaging impact to the psychological and social wellbeing of society’s underserved populations
which includes but not limited to the poor, aged, children, people with disabilities, etc. (Amadasun,
2020a). Also, COVID-19 greatly impacted negatively on the economy of many nations, across educa­
tion, health, agriculture, information technology, energy, oil and gas, and an array of other sectors.

In a world of emerging global humanitarian emergencies and pandemics such as COVID-19, Cooper
and Briggs (2014) noted that the educational training received by social workers does not in all
sufficiency, prepare them for specific roles in the outbreak of a pandemic. Hence, this paper becomes
relevant in outlining to enhance the roles of social workers in the face of an outbreak of a pandemic.

2. Corona virus: The pandemic

The Corona Virus Disease named COVID-19 (World Health Organization (WHO), 2020a) is
a respiratory infectious disease caused by the newly discovered corona virus (World Health
Organization (WHO), 2020b), highly transmittable and pathogenic viral infection that is caused
by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Shereen et al., 2020).
Originating from the Hubei Province of Wuhan, China, the virus has infected over 81 million people
worldwide and causing the death of more than 1.7 million people within a short period of time,
delivering the world into unchartered waters, turning governments, health workers as well as
public health authorities into a quagmire and scrambling to keep up with the outbreak (Weir,
2020). Among the population of the world, the virus has caused huge desperation, social and
economic hardship, and hopelessness (Hargreaves et al., 2020).

Although, majority of those infected with COVID-19 experience mild to moderate respiratory
illnesses and recovering without any special treatment, older people as well as those with under­
lying illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases are the
most at risk to developing serious illnesses (World Health Organization (WHO), 2020a). The spread
of COVID-19 is mainly through discharge or droplets from the nose and mouth (saliva) when an
infected person coughs or sneezes. This virus is also associated with fever, sore throat, shortness of
breath, dry cough, tiredness, and body pain (World Health Organization (WHO), 2020a, 2020c).

There is already a breakthrough in the production of vaccines for COVID-19 and its rollout has
commenced globally. The role out of COVID-19 vaccines is challenged by global high demand
leading to scarcity; high cost of vaccines; and the sophisticated nature of storage facilities required
to sustain the potency of the vaccines before they are administered to individuals. All these leaves
many developing countries vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19.

To curtail spread of the virus, regular handwashing using bar soap and water or use of alcohol-
based hand sanitizer, maintaining physical distancing, staying at home when one is not feeling
well and calling the doctor before hospital visit, use of face masks, covering nose and mouth when
coughing or sneezing are recommended (Prem et al., 2020; Rosenthal et al., 2020; World Health
Organization (WHO), 2020d).

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3. Social work and COVID-19

The value of social justice is challenged by the grave impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the
powerless groups in the society. Also, in the face of economic and resources deprivation, job losses,
and lack of access to healthcare and psychosocial support services, the human dignity suffers.

In view of its involvement in providing wartime relief services as well as concern with physical
environment of the people, the social work profession is said to be fully submerged in service
during public emergencies (Brinkerhoff, 2014; Hokenstad, 2007; Zakour, 1997). Social workers play
fundamental roles in disaster response, recovery and disaster preparedness planning for future
occurrences (Cooper & Briggs, 2014). Appropriate and adequate professional social work services
are mandatory in the outbreak of emergencies and pandemics (Brinkerhoff, 2014).

The call for the institutionalization of a strapping partnership in response to pandemics and
public emergencies between the public and private sectors by Armocida et al., (2020) brings about
the urging anticipation for provision of leadership and advocacy by the social work profession for
effective services among institutions in response to COVID-19 pandemic. These services must
reflect the ethical obligation to protect the general well-being of the society at large (National
Association of Social Workers, 2017) paying keen attention and alignment to the social work
theory and values, as well as considering the social, cultural, emotional, spiritual and psychological
needs of people affected by the pandemic.

As a result of the contagious nature and the non-availability of vaccines and treatment for COVID-
19 patients due to its high cost and scarcity, most peoples’ perspective about the virus is fear. This
leaves psychological trauma on victims and survivors of the virus, leaving social workers and medical
professionals overwhelmed by a lot of work to be done. Tam et al. (2004) noted that when compared
to the general population, medical care workers are more likely to experience a wide range of negative
psychological impact following the outbreak of an emergency or disaster. Other studies also noted
that during and after the outbreak of infectious diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
(SARS), Ebola and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), there were reported cases of emotional
stress among medical care workers (Lee et al., 2018; Raven et al., 2018). The case is not different in the
face of COVID-19 as there has been increased global report of emotional and psychological stress
amongst the health care providers. Si et al. (2020) reported a 40.2% positive screen for significant post
traumatic syndrome disorder symptoms among health care workers while noting a higher proportion
of having mild to extreme severe symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.

Quarantine and physical distancing measures are being deployed globally, baring family mem­
bers from attending to their affected, dying or dead loved ones. With this in place, it becomes
difficult for families to see their loved ones on their sick bed, as well as bury their loved ones
according to their customs and traditions in the case of death. These scenarios bring about
disturbing images and remains one of the visible challenges for which the social work profession
must prepare for (Rosoff, 2008).

The increased demand for trained social work and mental health professionals is necessitated by
the disaster-prone and fast-changing world, and it is envisaged that future pandemics will bring
with them, unthinkable levels of psychological trauma. With this in mind, Brinkerhoff (2014) noted
that social work institutions are to increase investment in the education of students and practi­
tioners of social work, in the areas of trauma response and specialized methods of critical
incidence stress debriefing. This will effectively help prepare the social work profession for pan­
demics and disasters, while enhancing efficiency and responsiveness in disaster relief and various
efforts that are geared towards providing stress management, as well as social and mental health

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services to survivors of a pandemic. In doing all these, attention should be paid to support needs of
the victims and survivors.

4. The social workers’ role during pandemic

The Social work profession provides unique services to the people during disaster, pandemic and
other public emergencies. Social workers play fundamental roles in disaster response, recovery and
disaster preparedness planning for future occurrences (Cooper & Briggs, 2014) and appropriate
professional social work services are to be mandatory in the outbreak of emergencies and pan­
demics (Brinkerhoff, 2014). Despite the huge number of confirmed infections and deaths attributed
to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are millions of people around the world reported to have
recovered from it, and there is no doubt that many of the survivors will require as well as find
their way in palliative and/or non-curative care services. In this situation, social workers are to
provide the best and most compassionate care that can possibly be provided which also includes
adequate planning (Rosoff, 2008).

In the face of racial, gender, and ethnic discrimination being experienced by marginalized groups
globally, the COVID-19 pandemic globally and especially in developing countries comes with a high
degree of stigma and discrimination especially on the survivors and infected persons. In this regard,
comes the extraordinary roles of social workers to serve and protect the most vulnerable during
a pandemic such as COVID-19. (Amadasun, 2020a:2) noted that “responding to social problems
emanating from public social and healthcare challenges is the raison d’etre of the social work profession
and addressing COVID-19 in terms of its grievous fallout on social conditions as a whole and in the lives
of individuals, families and households, groups, and communities in specific is a professional impera­
tive”. A variety of mental health supporting strategies are required in pandemic areas to facilitate the
lifestyle changes and re-adaptation activities required after the occurrence of outbreaks (Wang et al.,
2020; Xiang et al., 2020), and this falls within the purview of the social work profession to provide.

The goal of social work profession is to advance social cohesion and stability, promote social
change development through empowerment and liberation of people as well as restoring social
functioning while championing respect for the sanctity of life and drawing on the ideals of social
justice and human dignity (Amadasun, 2020b). Considering this, social workers have the responsibility
of playing crucial and frontline role of helping and supporting communities that are affected by
COVID-19. Responsibilities of social workers are not limited to the fight against the spread of COVID-
19, ensuring inclusion of the most vulnerable in planning and response, organizing communities in
ensuring the availability of essential items like food and clean water, advocating for social inclusion of
the most vulnerable into the social service system, as well as facilitating physical distancing and
social solidarity through campaigns and orientation programs (International Federation of Social
Works (IFSW), 2020). Social workers must recognize that stigma fuels the isolation of people and
blocks access to care and support which in turn contributes to the continued spread of disease. With
this, social workers must step on to the role of creating awareness as well as combating myths about
the pandemic, fear and stigma in intense environments.

The social work role given the delirious invasion of pandemics on families and individuals is within
the healthcare systems as well as within poor households having inadequate or no medical health
insurance and/or lacking the knowledge on how to secure one. In light of this, the social workers’ role
must be that of a counsellor, educator and referral linkage to the health care facilities. Given that
individuals and families find comfort in a variety of certain factors, the social workers’ interventions in
these roles are to be channeled to strength-based practices, relationship building strategies and
resilience coupled with a blend of spirituality. Older persons are the most at risk group for COVID-19.
Maintaining physical distancing has limited social workers’ interaction and care for the older people.
Social workers are to explore leveraging on and promoting kinship care and support practices as an

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alternative mechanism to meeting the welfare of older people (Cudjoe & Abdullah, 2020). In the case
of death of parents or guardians in a pandemic, social workers are to provide safe spaces for children
or minors ensuring that they get proper shelter, health care and nutrition. This will eradicate or reduce
the psychological trauma that the children might experience because of lack of parental care, stigma,
or rejection by other family members for fear of contamination.

Social workers’ role includes advocating for social inclusion of the most vulnerable into the social
policy service system in the face of a pandemic. Given that the response platforms are provided by
and within organizations while communities are at the receiving end, the engagement in social
inclusion advocacy becomes paramount to ensuring social protection for the vulnerable or margin­
alized members of the society. In doing this, advocacy could be done on different policy response
levels depending on its appropriateness for the prevailing conditions. This could be for short-term
policy actions such as cash transfers or distribution of in-kind items such as food, etc. to the most
economically disadvantaged households. On the other hand, the advocacy could be for long-term
policy options which mostly will revolve around provision of affordable healthcare plan for the most
vulnerable population, investment in health and social care facility infrastructures, affordable hous­
ing, etc. The International Federation of Social Works (IFSW), 2020 noted that as a profession, the
social workers’ responsibility is the advocacy for health and social service system strengthening and
advancement, which are very important in protecting people against the virus, curbing inequalities
and reducing social and economic challenges of the society. Also, social workers must play a key role
in the mobilization of communities, organizations/groups and facilitating connections between the
systems of care set up by government and the community-based systems such as the community/
district social welfare workers, child protection officers and community development officers.

There has been in the past, different levels of unverified messages that has been passed through
different media platforms most especially the social media in the period of outbreaks such as COVID-
19, EBOLA, SARS, etc, majority of them are misleading and could cause more harm to the ignorant
population. Effective communication, orientation and educating the public on the pandemic is a very
important role that must be played by social workers in the light of this development. This is to keep
the society well informed about the true state of affairs as regards the pandemic as well as avoid
social disruptions caused by fear, rumors or neglect by appropriate authorities.

Emphasis is made on the importance of carrying out these roles in line with the professional
values of social work practice which includes service, human rights, integrity, social justice, human
dignity, confidentiality, and human relationships. Also, most especially in communication during
the outbreak of a pandemic such as COVID-19, ‘„messages are to be built around hope, resilience
and the resolve of human spirit to surmount any impediments’ (Amadasun, 2020b).

5. Conclusion
The social work profession is well equipped with great values and historical legacies and social workers
are in a unique position to address emerging public health disease outbreaks such as COVID-19.

Notwithstanding that the social workers’ role in management of outbreak/emergencies are

neglected in the curriculum of social work education, the application of required skills in the
outbreak of a pandemic goes a long way in positively impacting the lives of vulnerable population
as well as the society at large.

In responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers have huge roles to play as it requires
critical awareness from the social work profession. This includes the provision of adequate social
support for the general population with regard to specific at-risk populations such as the infected
patients, quarantined individuals, medical professionals, etc.; advocacy for social inclusion for the

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most vulnerable, creation of awareness on the pandemic, implementation of mental health

supporting strategies and community-based strategies to support resilience and psychologically
vulnerable individuals and groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, the psychological impact
of fear and anxiety induced by the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic needs to be clearly
recognized as a public health priority for both social workers, authorities and policy makers and
clear behavioral strategies to reduce the burden of disease and the dramatic mental health
consequences of this outbreak is to be rapidly adopted and implemented (Serafini et al., 2020).

This presents the social work profession a great opportunity to really set the center stage for further
interventions, present itself in a unique position to addressing issues, as well as imprint indelible
marks in the hearts of victims and survivors of emergencies and pandemics such as COVID-19.

Funding
The author received no direct funding for this research.
Author details
Afomachukwu Okafor1
E-mail: evan31march@gmail.com
1
Department of Social Work, University of Central
Nicaragua, Nicaragua.
Citation information
Cite this article as: Role of the social worker in the out­
break of pandemics (A case of COVID-19), Afomachukwu
Okafor, Cogent Psychology (2021), 8: 1939537.
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